Voices for Croatia

Published: October 31, 2001
View the Original Newsletter: Iskra-93-94.pdf

About This Issue

This double issue of Iskra focuses on the 10th anniversary of DORA, the humanitarian organization dedicated to helping children orphaned during the Croatian War of Independence.
Through heartfelt reporting and first-hand reflection, Valentina Krčmar celebrates the selflessness of DORA’s volunteers and sponsors in both Croatia and Canada.
The issue also covers urgent national news—a tragedy in Croatian hospitals, political reform efforts, and reports from Croatian parishes in Canada.

Editorial: “We Did What Was Our Duty”

Valentina opens with gratitude and awe for the people of DORA—both those in Croatia and the volunteers abroad—who have worked tirelessly for a decade to support children who lost parents in the war.

“They did not act for reward or recognition. They acted because it was their duty.”

Iskra-93-94

She describes attending the 10th anniversary celebration in Zagreb, moved by the dedication and humility of the organization’s workers. The highlight for her was meeting children whose lives had been transformed through DORA’s help—particularly Marijo Šarić, once an injured boy from Vukovar, now a smiling young man with a future.

“No one can replace a mother’s love. But these children have found hope again—because someone cared enough to help.”

Valentina recalls the moment vividly: the Croatian and DORA flags waving side by side, the stage filled with joyful faces.

“The most beautiful thing that waved that night was not a flag—but the smiles of children who believe in love again.”

She praises DORA’s Canadian team—Stanko Trtanj, Bob Galamaga, Joe Draganjac, Steve Krašić, and others—for organizing the annual DORA Charity Golf Tournament, which funds education for more than twenty-five children each year.

“A child’s smile is the greatest thank-you they could ever receive.”

Valentina closes her editorial with a personal vow:

“It’s time I joined DORA. Perhaps you will too.”

National Focus: “Drama in Croatian Hospitals”

A shocking tragedy unfolds as 23 kidney patients die during hemodialysis treatments across hospitals in Croatia.
Initial investigations suggest that the deaths may be linked to defective dialyzers produced by Baxter and distributed by Pliva.

Government officials, including Health Minister Ana Stavljević-Rukavina, suspend use of the equipment and order an inquiry.

“The safety of our patients is absolute priority,” the minister declares, promising accountability “from the lowest to the highest.”

Journalists and commentators, however, question how such a tragedy could have gone unnoticed for days, with hospitals slow to report deaths and the ministry’s silence fueling suspicion.

“From Monday to Saturday, people were dying—and everyone was silent,” writes reporter Diana Glavina (Večernji list, Oct. 15, 2001).

Economist Dr. Tihomir Janjiček contributes a biting commentary, criticizing government negligence and lack of ministerial accountability:

“In Račan’s government, a minister’s position seems to be worth at least fifty lives.”

Community Life in Canada

The issue brims with reports from Croatian organizations across Ontario, highlighting the unity and pride of the diaspora:

Hrvatsko Zagorje Society celebrates its 10th anniversary—“a pearl in our community necklace,” Valentina writes.
Parish of Our Lady Queen of Croats (Toronto) holds a charity luncheon for Caritas, led by Fr. Gjuran, who reminds parishioners:

“Faith without good works is dead.”
Karlovac Club Banquet: attended by over 15,000 visitors through the year. The community celebrates Croatian spirit, humor, and hospitality with traditional music, home-cooked meals, and dancing late into the night.
Međimurje Evening: Organized by Biserka Milinković, this event showcases regional songs, food, and charity for those in need back home.

“Every gathering proves that even far from home, Croatians remain one family.”

Health Column: “Insomnia – The Disease of the Modern Age”

A practical guide by Ljiljana Turković explores how sleeplessness affects physical and mental well-being.

She explains causes such as stress, caffeine, medication, or menopause, and offers natural remedies:

Warm showers and lavender oil before bed.
Herbal teas (chamomile, St. John’s Wort).
Evening walks for oxygen and calm.
Avoiding screens and intense conversations before bedtime.

“If you cannot sleep, remember Scarlett O’Hara’s words: ‘Tomorrow is another day.’”

For Students: “How to Improve Memory and Focus”

This section provides diet and study tips for university students during exam season:

Eat light, frequent meals with carbohydrates for brain energy.
Drink water or sports drinks instead of excess coffee.
Avoid heavy or gassy foods before studying.
Get enough sleep and fresh air.

“Feed the brain, and knowledge will follow.”

In Memoriam: Ljubica Beba Bukatko

A deeply moving tribute by Jozo Brkić honors Ljubica “Beba” Bukatko, a beloved member of the Toronto Croatian community and multiple charitable groups, including Bedem Ljubavi, Katarina Zrinska, and AMCA.

“She proved her Croatian heart not through words, but through deeds.”

Brkić describes her as the spirit of volunteerism, always cheerful and tireless despite illness, and a shining example of Christian love and perseverance.

“Her smile has passed away, but her spirit of friendship remains among us.”

Church and Faith

The Annual Meeting of Croatian Catholic Clergy in the USA and Canada took place in Indiana, attended by over 40 priests and pastoral workers. The meeting emphasized youth outreach, unity in the diaspora, and the needs of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Plans were made for a major youth gathering at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto with Pope John Paul II.

“Our faith must be lived not only in parishes—but in the hearts of our youth.”

Closing Thoughts

Valentina concludes the issue with renewed optimism. After witnessing the compassion of DORA’s volunteers and the dedication of Croatians worldwide, she expresses deep faith in humanity’s power to rebuild.